Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Submarine Sinks off Egypt’s Coast, Claiming Six Lives

At least six people have died after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, on March 27, 2025. Local authorities confirmed that six Russian nationals were among the deceased, while 39 foreign tourists were successfully rescued following the incident.

The submarine, named “Sindbad,” was carrying 45 tourists and five Egyptian crew members when it sank approximately one kilometer from the shore. The Red Sea governorate reported that there were no missing persons after the rescue efforts concluded.

The submarine incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time, with the vessel reportedly crashing while carrying tourists from various nationalities, including Russian, Indian, Norwegian, and Swedish. The Russian consulate in Hurghada confirmed the details, stating that most of the tourists were rescued and taken to local hotels and hospitals.

The submarine, operated by Sindbad Submarines, was designed for underwater sightseeing, featuring large portholes for viewing marine life and capable of diving to depths of 25 meters (82 feet). Investigations into the cause of the sinking are ongoing, although weather conditions at the time were reported to be clear with good visibility.

In recent years, Hurghada has experienced several maritime accidents, raising concerns about safety in the region. Notable incidents include a dive boat capsizing in November 2024, which resulted in four deaths, and a fire on a yacht in 2023 that claimed the lives of three British tourists. Despite these events, Egypt remains a top tourist destination, ranking first in Africa for tourism revenues.

The tragic sinking of the Sindbad submarine highlights the risks associated with tourist activities in popular destinations. As investigations continue, attention will be focused on improving safety measures to prevent future incidents.